Premier Robert Ghiz announced today the Third Session of the Sixty-third General Assembly of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island will officially open on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 3 p.m.
“We are looking forward to continuing our work on behalf of the people of Prince Edward Island, debating issues that are important to the future of the province,” the Premier said.
The opening day of a session represents an important ceremonial occasion. It begins with the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman, departing from Government House and arriving at Province House, where she will inspect an Honour Guard comprised of representatives from Prince Edward Island’s three reserve units: the Prince Edward Island Regiment, the 721 Communications Regiment and HMCS Queen Charlotte.
Once inside Province House, the Lieutenant Governor is escorted to the closed doors of the Legislative Chamber by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod who requests permission for Her Honour to enter by knocking three times. This is symbolically important in that it represents formal acknowledge that it is the elected parliament that is supreme and not the Crown. Once consent is given by the elected Members, the Lieutenant Governor is allowed to enter and proceeds with reading the Speech from the Throne. The origins of this tradition can be traced to disorderly events in the British House of Commons more than 350 years ago.
The Speech from the Throne outlines government’s legislative and policy priorities for the next year. This will be the third Speech from the Throne delivered by the Hon. Barbara A. Hagerman since her appointment in 2006.
Following the Speech, Premier Ghiz will introduce a symbolic bill, called a pro forma bill, which establishes the authority of the Legislative Assembly to legislate and will also move the appointment of high school students who will serve as legislative pages during the session.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the -opening of the Legislative Assembly and view the proceedings from the Public Gallery. The official opening will be broadcast live on Eastlink Television and on the website of the Legislative Assembly at www.assembly.pe.ca.
The first day of regular Legislative Assembly business, which includes question period, is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m.